Blocked oil cooler

[Martin610]

I had the dreaded 'eel grass clog' that is not uncommon here in Barnegat Bay. Eel grass is very thin and can get past the strainer, thru the system and wad up in front of the oil cooler on my D4-260. I noticed the engine running warm at higher RPM's. Was fine below 2600. I was surprised at the wad of grass I had plucked out. See below.



I found it awkward to remove the hose from the water pump to the oil cooler and to put it back. Access is tight. Maybe I should have removed the fuel filter?

Is there a way to prevent this? I noticed the newer D4's seem to have a secondary raw water filter in front of the oil cooler. Is it possible to retro fit that?

Thanks,

-martin

 

[Martin610]

I think I need to clarify.

The first illustration shows how my D4-260 is set up. Hose goes directly from water pump to oil cooler. Eel grass can get through and wads up in front of the oil cooler, right at the top of that hose.

Here's that illustration:


This second illustration shows a setup where there is a sea water strainer between the water pump and the oil cooler.



Looking online it seems many D4's have the strainer. Do other Cutwaters have the strainer? Has anyone added it to an engine without it?

Any feedback appreciated.

-martin

 

[BB marine]

The picture with the strainer (second illustration) is used with a stern drive.

 

[Martin610]

Thanks Brian. Makes sense as the stern drive pickup is on the drive itself. I wonder if I can get a different insert for the raw water strainer I have.

Does anyone know the manufacturer of the strainer Fluid Motion uses?

-martin

 

[dclagett]

I have a D3-150, however I had a similar problem with the transmission oil cooler. I changed the external raw water strainer from a clam shell to a wedge with a screen. Over the last 2 years of operation I have not had any debris in either the transmission oil cooler or the internal sea strainer. See my album for details.